Shortcut Trick
Total work = LCM(25, 30, 36, 40) = 1800 units, with efficiencies P = 72, Q = 60, R = 50, S = 45.
4-day cycle work (Q + S + P + R) = 60 + 45 + 72 + 50 = 227 units.
Work in 7 cycles (28 days) = 227 × 7 = 1589 units; Remaining = 1800 − 1589 = 211 units.
Work done in next 3 days (Q, S, P) = 60 + 45 + 72 = 177 units; Remaining = 34 units for R.
Total time = 28 + 3 + (34 ÷ 50) = 3117/25 days.
∴ The correct answer is 3117/25 days.
Alternate Method
Given:
Time taken by P = 25 days
Time taken by Q = 30 days
Time taken by R = 36 days
Time taken by S = 40 days
Order of work: Q works on day 1, S on day 2, P on day 3, R on day 4, and the cycle repeats.
Formula Used:
Total Work = LCM of individual time taken
Efficiency = Total Work ÷ Time Taken
Calculations:
| Person | Days | Total Work | Efficiency |
|---|
| P | 25 | 1800 | 72 |
| Q | 30 | 60 | |
| R | 36 | 50 | |
| S | 40 | 45 | |
⇒ Total work done in one complete 4-day cycle (Q + S + P + R) = 60 + 45 + 72 + 50 = 227 units
⇒ Number of full cycles that can be completed = 1800 ÷ 227 = 7 cycles (with a remainder)
⇒ Work completed in 7 cycles (28 days) = 227 × 7 = 1589 units
⇒ Remaining work = 1800 − 1589 = 211 units
⇒ On the 29th day, Q works: Remaining work = 211 − 60 = 151 units
⇒ On the 30th day, S works: Remaining work = 151 − 45 = 106 units
⇒ On the 31st day, P works: Remaining work = 106 − 72 = 34 units
⇒ On the 32nd day, R completes the remaining 34 units.
⇒ Time taken by R = Remaining Work ÷ Efficiency of R = 34 ÷ 50 = 17/25 days
⇒ Total time required to complete the work = 28 + 3 + 17/25 = 3117/25 days
∴ The correct answer is 3117/25 days.
Additional Information
Alternate Day Work
When individuals work on alternate days, first calculate the combined work done in one full sequence cycle. Then divide total work by cycle work to find the full cycles before resolving the leftover fraction day-by-day.
Total Work Concept
Assuming the total work as the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the individual time periods helps convert fractional daily work calculations into manageable integer efficiencies.
Work and Efficiency Relation
Efficiency is inversely proportional to time taken. The fundamental rule applied in such problems is: Total Work = Efficiency × Time Taken.